Carol and her team could not have been more competent in the start-to-finish of our large estate sale. The event went over three days given the large number of items. Carol took good advantage of getting the Rancho Santa Fe location into her on-line advertising, which generated thousands of "hits" on her website right from the beginning. The photos she posted were top quality. Working with Carol over several days on the preparation was extremely well done. She had a solution for every challenge. Carol has access to workers to move heavy items, right up to others taking care of items we donated. Her people receiving funds for the sales were organized in recording purchases and providing receipts for the buyer and us. She worked out the car parking, a challenge for the good size crowds. Lots of people but no chaos whatsoever. It's clear Carol has a large following of trusting buyers. She was able to sell odd items that we thought would be almost impossible to sell. Carol's personality is extremely pleasing but, at the same time, she ran a tight ship. There was a sense everything was always under control. At the end of the third day, she had the house 100% cleared and clean. Moving can be overwhelming if you are doing a lot of downsizing. Who in California isn't these days? Carol is fabulous in making it come off like you wouldn't believe was possible. She'll become a friend....you can't find better! Leon read more

Carol was great to work with when I was moving and needed to find a new home many items I had gotten from my late mom. She was honest about what was valuable and offered suggestions for places that could take things she wouldn't. Carol made a difficult, emotional experience as easy as it could be. read more

Carol & her team are a delight to work with! They are very knowledgeable about Estate sales & values. We're always excited to work with Carol and her team of experienced employees. read more

I can't say enough about Carol's work. Her team absolutely transformed my late parent's home - it was unrecognizable. They cleaned, sorted and staged everything beautifully and the sale was an enormous success with no glitches. She made sure every last detail was covered and after her team left we were able to quickly ready the house for sale - they left it in much better condition than how they found it. Not only did we make more money than I thought possible, but it was done in a way that truly honored my parents and their love of travel and collecting. In short, Carol was a miracle worker! read more

Two of my favorite paintings and many of my most delightful home decor collectables were purchased at Life Transitions Estate sales. The prices were fair and every sale is a pleasure to attend. Items are creatively displayed and the have given me ideas on how to place items in my own home. Don't miss these Life Transitions sales! Laura Fletcher read more

Carol Edwards with Life Transitions was so helpful to my sister and me. We had just cleaned out a storage unit with our parents belongings in it. We didn't know what to do with all our "treasures". We knew some had value but not sure what to do with them so we called Carol. She came over to our house and went through boxes of things with us. She told us what we had and what we should do with it. She took several items to sell for us and gave us ideas of what to do with the rest. We donated most of the other treasures which made us feel good too. Carol called and told me to come get my check/cash for what she sold and pick up one small set of China she didn't sell. I was very pleased with the agreement and the share she kept. I felt she was very honest and caring. I will recommend Carol to anyone looking for some help going through family "Treasures". Thank you Carol, Patricia read more

Carol Edwards and her company, Life Transitions, are the very best. I had been searching for years in hopes of finding someone with whom I could feel comfortable enough to entrust my family's belongings in order to have an estate sale. Through an acquaintance, I heard how wonderful and trustworthy Carol Edwards was. I first called and then met with Carol at my family's home so she was able to see exactly what I was telling her about. The estate consisted of an overwhelming amount of eclectic items -- both large and small, fine and not so fine pieces. This was the accumulation of possessions belonging to my family covering over three generations and 100+ years of collecting. My family's home was completely filled and there was not much room to move about -- that fact being daunting in and of itself. I was at my wit's end with how in the world I would ever be able to break up this log jam . . . then Carol entered the scene. From our first meeting Carol was not at all intimidated, but extremely enthusiastic as well as optimistic. She assured me that she and her team would take care of everything moving forward. There was absolutely no pressure ever put on me. With every step in the process, I always felt Carol's number one priority was the respectful passing on of my family's "treasures". As I have stated, this truly was an eclectic mix of items. If there were some things that might not have been in Carol's area of expertise (which I must say was rare), she would do a tremendous amount of research or, in one case, contact an expert to make certain a proper value was placed on these objects. I always felt she and her associates were careful, mindful and respectful of my family's loved possessions. Additionally, I was not living at the home and Carol's concern for security (something I had not considered), not only at the actual sale but also overnight, was just one more example of her expert knowledge and attention to detail. The extra cost of security, given the rarity and value of some of the items was well worth the peace of mind that came with knowing my estate sale was not only well looked after but also secure. I truly cannot say enough in praising Carol and Life Transitions in the handling of the entire process of my family's estate sale. From start to finish, I constantly felt assured that I had made the absolute best and right decision to entrust Carol with my family's possessions. For some, like myself, an estate sale can be an emotional time -- divesting oneself of cherished family belongings. As the only remaining member of my family, I am beyond pleased with how Carol handled this sale for me. Her honesty, integrity and trustworthiness throughout every step of the way gave me great peace of mind. I cannot imagine having had a better experience. And, when the time comes for me to downsize, I will definitely be calling Carol. Once again, a huge "Thank You!" to Carol and her company, Life Transitions, for making this emotional and daunting task an extremely pleasant memory. read more

This was absolutely amazing!! I happened to be in the area when I seen the Estate sale sign and came across this beautiful estate. What made it fantastic are the women sitting right up front, Carol Edwards among them. They greeted us immediately with smiles and showed us inside and allowed us to explore. The place was nicely set up without clutter to dig through. Everything and I do mean everything was of value and was set at more than reasonable prices. Thumbs up to them for finding this beautiful place and managing professionally. Genuine company giving away genuine artifacts. To top it off they gave my sister a Happy Birtrday crown. Can't get any sweeter than that. Thanks ladies, we'll be searching for your next estate. read more

Our large estate home was selling and we needed to be out in less than a month. I researched Estate sale companies and received a few referrals, Carol of Life Transitions was referred by our interior designer. Carol was so responsive by phone and email. They came by and met with our assistant property manager first, walking the property, taking pictures and making notes. Our PM thought they were very nice and professional. Realizing our short timeframe, they were ready to dig in. This felt like they were investing in us: by knowing the property, they could better give us information when we met formally later. I interviewed Carol (and her business partner Peggy), as well as other companies. They were hands down the most professional, organized and prepared of the companies that I spoke with. They came on time, dressed nicely and prepared with referrals, resumes, articles and more. I had never had to hire an estate sale company before, so I didn't quite know what to ask. They walked me through their process thoroughly. They were calm and laid back, yet enthusiastic and personable. They had a real "can do" attitude, confidence without an ego, and seem to really love what they do. (Other companies did NOT respond quickly, provide company information or resumes much less references, and others seemed more interested in telling outrageous estate sale stories than representing their abilities.) They discussed their plan: sale prep, marketing, sale dates and times, traffic, security, post sale options for donations / consignment, etc. Yet they were flexible to try and work around our schedules and needs. LT shared many of their business mottos - Pricing is an Art, and reiterated their desire to protect the home and items ("will bubble wrap as needed"), and to consolidate the items to lessen the public exposure to the property. They were very security oriented. We contracted with them and they immediately went to work. They only had a few weeks to scour the property (25,000sqft of home / 5 acres of outdoor living space) and re-organize furniture placement, research and price items, place signage, etc. They were just a delight to work with, quiet and respectful. In fact, their entire team was warm and friendly, very trustworthy. They took care of things like turning off lights and locking up if we were not at home when they left for the night. And reporting anything that seemed out of place, i.e. visitors, etc. Everything was going as planned - UNTIL - our buyer defaulted the night before the estate sale. It is in times of trouble / disruption that you see who people really are. This was devastating to us, and they were soooo supportive. It was as if they weren't even thinking of themselves. They offered suggestions of how they could help restore the property. They were flexible with how we could handle the contract and/or moving forward should the buyer actually close. They handled this with such high integrity, I want to cry now just thinking about it. So sweet. Long story short - our buyer ended up coming through 1 month later. And the sale itself was rescheduled and a huge success. I was nervous, but they had it all under control. Signage, security, staffing. in fact, they were so good, that I left and ran errands / went to the gym / etc. and checked in every once in a while. Checking in wasn't even necessary though, and come to hear, most owners don't stay (and shouldn't stay) during a sale. I ended up leaving the day of final pickups and donations. I felt 100% comfortable and confident with leaving them to finish the job alone. The house was completely emptied and ready for the new owner to take over. These ladies are capable! Less than two weeks later, I received the receipt books, checks and closure letter that summarized the sale. It was so easy. Obviously, downsizing and moving can be a bear. But they said "take what you want, we'll handle what is left behind". And that is exactly what they did with flying colors and the greatest of attitudes! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Life Transitions, even in the face of a possible cancellation and rescheduling, they exceeded expectations! They are the best! read more

I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE BEEN ROBBED AND MY PROPERTY WAS LEFT IN WORSE CONDITION THAN BEFORE THE SALE; WITH WATER DAMAGE IN TWO ROOMS THAT NOW REQUIRE REPAIR FROM AN OUTSIDE CONTRACTOR. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! CAROL REPRESENTED SHE WOULD GET BACK TO ME AFTER SHE SPOKE WITH THE INDIVIDUALS WHOM SHE LET RUN THE SALE AND SHE HAS YET TO CALL ME BACK (that was one week ago). MEANWHILE HER COMPANY HAS REACHED OUT TO MY REAL ESTATE BROKER TRYING TO GO "BEHIND THE SCENES". COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS; UNPROFESSIONAL AND HAS LEFT ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. The accounting I received was a complete joke. Completely arbitrary figures, and the sales of the items in my home far exceeded the final accounting that was provided to me. In addition, there were items explicitly and EXPRESSLY indicated that were NOT FOR SALE that were in fact SOLD by her company. Boxes that were taped, sealed off in a closed closet, and were to remain "owners" personal property were rifled through; and fixtures that were part of the home that had never been discussed were removed and sold without permission. The whole experience has been horrible, is ongoing, and I am only writing this review to spare any future parties from going through a similar horrible experience. The estate sale in my home was 10 days ago, was nothing less than a nightmare and is still ongoing. Prior to the sale Carol Edwards came and met with me face to face at my home and was professional. She then followed up saying her son, who is her partner, would be handling the sale due to a conflict with dates. I was then contacted by an ANTHONY SYLVESTER, who never indicated he was NOT the son (but instead a third party), who said he had gotten all of the information from Carol and was handling the sale. Given the fact I was already relocated out of state when the sale was to take place I requested to do a walk through via FACETIME the night before or morning of the sale. I was told that there would not be time. I was told by neighbors and then had first hand experience with Anthony Sylvester that proved to be unprofessional. He was rude to not only me - the owner, but also to individuals who went to my home for the sale. Any proceeds from this sale will be spent now repairing my home due to damage caused while the house was exclusively under the care of this company. After this company initially admitted to seeing the water damage, cleaning it up and trying to conceal it, they now have had the audacity to try to shift the blame on to my RE broker or random others whom they claim entered my property. Only issue, my real estate broker is alerted and has a digital print out of every person who enters the property. This Estate Sale company and whomever they allowed in my home during their sale and liquidation (all under their supervision), were the only individuals in my home until My RE agent went to the home in person to see the damage 4 days later. Again, horrible horrible experience. Please be careful and thorough.....much more so than I was, of anyone you allow in to your home. read more

I am an antique collector and dealer, and I shop estate sales every week of the year, but I have never run into a more caring and considerate Estates Professional than Carol a Edwards at Life Transitions Even while juggling all her responsibilities at a very busy sale, she made time to give me her full attention and help me get what I wanted. I will certainly be following her business very closely in the future. read more

This response is to the 1 star review initiated by LU P, there are TWO sides to every story! My name is Anthony Sylvester and I am writing this review of Carol Edwards and her outstanding company of Life Transitions. Carol's reputation in the business of Estate Sales and Appraisals goes above and beyond from the many satisfied clients that have hired her services all over San Diego County. Her company maintains a very strong customer base and following to shop her sales due to the respectable manner in which she and her team facilitate each Estate Sale. The confidence and trust given to Carol and her team to perform this service has always been maintained through the many successful years she has been involved in this business. As another Estate Sales and Liquidation professional, I recognize Life Transitions' to be a leader in the business. Carol will refer and pass along some jobs to me in which may be more fitting to my particular expertise. This level of trust in my capabilities from an icon in the business is something that is earned. I was told recently that a client of mine, from a previous referral through Carol, was slandering her name for a job her company had no involvement! Due to an unfortunate chain of events following a completed and successful Estate Sale that I facilitated, some flood damage had occurred from an unknown source. In this business and in one's life all must be accountable for the things within the short grasp of what can be controlled. My sympathies go out to this previous client for the unfortunate damages, but in no way is Carol Edwards or her company of Life Transitions to have any responsibility for something they were not involved in. read more

We had 32 years worth of memories and things. Carol came to our home with the grace, professionalism and expertise that we wanted. She and her staff came in and did the necessary appraisals, setup and sale. Everything went so smoothly that we felt relaxed and confident throughout the whole process. I appreciate greatly the integrity and honesty that she brings to her job. That is not that common anymore. Highly recommend her. read more

I highly recommend Carol at Life Transitions. My brother, sister and I inherited several silver items from our parents and grandparents. We each kept what we wanted and decided to have the rest sold. Carol was very patient and through in going over all the items as to what they were and some history behind them. When all the sales were completed she gave us a detailed receipt and paid us in a timely manor. It was refreshing to feel confident and comfortable knowing our items were being brokered by someone so knowledgeable, professional and honest. Carol did a great job and I am thankful for her services. read more

I have known Carol for over 10 years and can say she is one of the most, if not the most honest and ethical person in this business and one of the hardest working. She is well trained and knowledgable in the field of antiques and on the rare occasion if she doesn't know about an item she will research it until she finds enough info to share with the owner. I highly recommend her services to people I meet who need to downsize in our community. She always looks out for her clients first and foremost. I highly recommend her for anyone who is downsizing and she is one of the nicest persons in the business. I have come across many dealers and estate sales people who have no moral backbone, but I can say Carol is one of the best. Again over 10 years of going to her sales and buying from her, she is 100% honest with a high degree in integrity. When the time comes, she is the person I will gladly call to help us downsize. read more